Summer is a time many students look forward to – it’s a break from school, time to relax, see friends, travel, and recharge. But while rest is essential, using part of your summer to prepare for your next academic chapter can set you up for success. Heading off to college or university in September? Check out our handy advice for getting ahead before the new year starts…
Review and reflect
Start by looking back at your most recent school year. What went well? Which subjects or skills were challenging? This reflection helps you identify areas to focus on before your new course begins. You don’t need to study everything – just reinforce what will be most useful going forward, in terms of both information and also your own study habits.
If you’re continuing in a subject, revisit your notes and exam questions. If you’re starting something entirely new, read a basic introduction or watch explainer videos to get a sense of the subject.
Read wisely
Reading is one of the best ways to prepare – and it doesn’t have to be dry textbooks. Ask your old teachers, or look at university department reading lists, for recommended books. Consuming a few core texts or related material (including news articles, documentaries, or podcasts) can give you valuable background knowledge and help you start the course with confidence.
For English literature students, Summer is a great time to read set texts slowly without exam pressure. For science or social science students, popular science books or biographies of key thinkers can bring subjects to life.
Build study habits
Summer offers a low-stress, no-pressure time to build better study habits. Practice setting small goals (like studying for 30 minutes a day), keeping a to-do list, or using techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break). You don’t need to replicate a school day – even 3–5 hours of studying per week can make a real difference.
Try using tools like flashcards (Anki or Quizlet), note-taking apps (Notion or OneNote), or mind maps to organise your thoughts. These skills will be invaluable once term starts. Learning the referencing system you’ll be using is also a really core skill you can learn during the Summer, giving you more time to get your head around it.
Explore online courses and further resources
Websites like FutureLearn, OpenLearn, and Khan Academy offer free courses in subjects from coding to art history. If you’re going to university, check if your department offers any preparatory material. Some even send out Summer reading or problem sets.
YouTube can also be a goldmine — just be sure the content is from reliable sources. Try searching for “intro to [your subject]” or “how to prepare for university [subject]”.
Stay curious and ask questions
The most successful students aren’t just hard workers – they’re curious. Use the Summer to feed your interests. Visit museums, join discussion forums, or follow academic pages on social media. If something sparks your curiosity, dig deeper. Developing this mindset now makes learning far more engaging when term starts.
The Summer holiday is your time – but a small investment in preparing now will pay off when your new course begins. You’ll feel more confident, more in control, and more excited about learning. Balance is key: enjoy your rest, but give your future self a head start. Your September self will thank you.
